Characters
Thus character raised Mikage and frequently visited Yuichi at the flower shop.
Grandma
This food shows up in Mikage’s dream, and Mikage, Yuichi, and Eriko often make this in the middle of the night.
Ramen
This is used as a symbol of magic and emotion. One such example is a scene in which soon after her grandmother’s death; Mikage describes it as her eyes look up.
Moon
The year Kitchen was written.
1988
The city in which this novel takes place
Tokyo
This character sought control over her life in the kitchen.
Mikage
Mikage hears Eriko making this in the middle of the night after her shifts at the club.
Tea
This symbol creates chances for characters to spend time together, as a sort of communion.
Food
The location where Yuichi gets slapped
University Cafeteria
Eriko brings this plant to the hospital.
Pineapple
This character was Mikage’s lighthouse in her dream and had a special connection with Mikage’s grandma.
Yuichi
Deep-fried pork in broth over rice.
Katsudon?
The appearance of these colorful items in the novel symbolize how life, nature, and beauty.
Flowers
The name of the little girl on the bus?
Yuki
This character says, “I lost all sense of time being divided into seconds."
Mikage
These characters' names are a play on food.
Nori and Kuri
Product known as "monk food"
Tofu
These serve as symbols for nurturing and caring for others.
Plants
Where Mikage traveled with Sensei
Izu Peninsula
Mikage reminds Yuichi of his dog named __.
Woofie
This character said “Little by little, light and air came into my heart."
Eriko
Mikage goes to the Minimart to buy this when she sees Eriko for the last time.
Pudding
This represents stillness and comfort
Sofa
Where Mikage goes to find Yuichi
Isehara
Mikage’s last name
Sakurai